Pregnancy is going to be a phase of life where we ask ourselves a lot of questions. You are pregnant and during your medical consultations, you have been given many food recommendations. But you are lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. In order to avoid causing your baby disease, it is very good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat catfish when pregnant? It will depend on how it is prepared generally. This way we will discover with you if you can eat catfish when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat catfish while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat catfish raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated during pregnancy without exception. Eat catfish when pregnant, will not be advised during pregnancy. Raw fish may contain bacteria such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Listeriosis (bacteria) and toxoplasmosis (parasites) are foodborne illnesses. They may be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. If the fish is not cooked, then the bacteria is not killed. It can spread and be transmitted to your child. Therefore, to avoid worries, do not eat catfish raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat catfish smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not advised to eat catfish smoked while pregnant. Smoked fish may contain the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will include listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat catfish steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking generally exceeds 158°F/70°C, which is advised for catfish steam cooking. As a result you will be able to safely eat catfish steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat catfish frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish could be eaten by the pregnant woman. You will need to make sure that the cold chain has been respected. In case that you freeze catfish at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Make sure that the temperature of the freezer is well under -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat catfish cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat catfish while pregnant, you are totally safe. Any cooking method above 158°F/70°C allows you to destroy bacteria that may be present in fish. As well as your fish being cooked in papillote, in the oven, in the frying pan, it will be safe to eat.
What measures will there be to avoid becoming infected by eating catfish when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is advised not to eat fish more than twice a week. It is very good to vary the species and supply locations. It is relatively preferable to limit the consumption of the following fish: sea bream, skate, halibut, tuna, carp, sea bass, monkfish, bonito, and eel. It is recommended to avoid the consumption of swordfish, marlin, siki, shark and lamprey.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an disease transmitted by a resistant bacteria located in soil, vegetation and water. To protect yourself, you should not eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection then can be transmitted to the baby, that may lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. Risky products are raw milk or products made out of raw milk (raw milk cheeses), soft cheeses (brie, camembert,…), delicatessen products, rillettes and pâtés, foie gras, smoked or raw fish and seafood products (so not raw or smoked white tuna), raw or undercooked meat, cooked dishes that have been in the fridge for too long,…Listeria is a bacterium killed by pasteurization and cooking. To protect yourself from listeriosis, cook your food sufficiently and do not eat risky foods.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease, linked to a parasite located in soil and meat. Toxoplasmosis will sometimes also be transmitted by cats and their poop. Many women have been contaminated with toxoplasmosis and have developed antibodies. But, some women do not have these antibodies and as a result will have to follow some food hygiene rules during their pregnancy. Human contamination can occur in three ways, either by eating undercooked meat or fish, or by eating food contaminated (raw vegetables) with cat feces. Right here are some recommendations to avoid being infected with toxoplasmosis when you are pregnant. Wash your hands frequently, especially if you have prepared raw meat, earth or raw vegetables. Do not rub your eyes while touching raw meat. Eat well-cooked meat and fish and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Conclusion
At last, it may be possible to eat catfish while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.